Welcome to Quebec City
Quebec City is the birthplace of French civilization in North America. It guards access to the entire region from its perch on the Cape Diamond promontory high above the mighty St. Lawrence River.
Quebec is the only city in North America still surrounded by ancient stone fortifications. As the only walled city on the continent north of Mexico, it has a unique personality. UNESCO recognized this uniqueness by including Old Quebec in the prestigious family of world heritage treasures monuments of exceptional universal value worthy of special protection.
There are many ways to discover Old Quebec. A walk through the narrow streets is obviously among the most enjoyable. Contemplate the beauty of an ancient stone house while standing in the shade of a centuries-old tree. With every cobblestone street you take, the city's history and European flavor are very much in evidence.
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Getting to the Conference
Quebec City is easy to travel to from anywhere in the world. Major airlines across the globe fly to Quebec City, sometimes via Montreal or Toronto.
Plane
By plane, Quebec City is a one-and-a-half hour flight from New York, Boston, Chicago and Toronto, and only 40 minutes from Montreal. The Jean-Lesage International Airport is located 55 km (35 miles) from Chateau Mont Sainte-Anne (Beaupré). Taxis cost approximately CAD$80. There will be a shuttle service organized upon request between Jean-Lesage International Airport and the Chateau Mont Sainte-Anne.
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Train
There are several daily train connections between Montreal and Quebec City. Whether travelling by bus or by train, you can get off at downtown Quebec station located at 40 km (25 miles) from Chateau Mont Sainte-Anne (Beaupré).
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Bus
If you wish to travel by bus from Montreal to Quebec City, you can take a shuttle from the Dorval airport to the bus station downtown Montreal. Orleans Express offers hourly service to/from Quebec City and Montreal. The bus trip takes approximately two and one-half-hours. Whether travelling by bus or by train, you can get off at the downtown Quebec station located at 40 km (25 miles) from Chateau Mont Sainte-Anne (Beaupré).
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Car
By car, two main highways link Quebec City to Montreal. If you wish to rent a car, you may do so at the airport or in downtown Montreal or Quebec City. In Quebec, speed limits are indicated in kilometers (100 km/h = 62 mph). Gas is sold by the liter (3.78 liters = 1 US gallon).
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Spoken and Official Languages
French is the main language spoken in Quebec, although it is common for people to answer English speakers in their own language.
Currency and taxes
Legal tender here is the Canadian dollar, which divides into 100 cents. Bills come in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. The coins in use come in the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 25 cents, as well as one and two dollars. Canadian and American dollars are not at par. American currency is accepted in most establishments at a variable exchange rate. In Quebec, a federal and a provincial tax are added to the cost of all purchases. The Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 5%. The Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is 7.5%.
Gratuities
In Canada, gratuities are not included in restaurant bills, but are left to the discretion of the customer. It is customary to leave a gratuity of 15% of the total cost before taxes are added to the bill. This same policy applies to taxi fares. Porters expect $1 CDN per suitcase.
Safety
Quebec City is a relatively small North American town that is welcoming, clean, safe, and beautiful. Quebecois have built social harmony through their open and tolerant culture, the result of 400 years of settlement by immigrants from France and England, and all over Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. As in every big city, caution is nonetheless recommended to avoid being the victim of petty crime. To avoid problems, it is recommended that visitors obtain Canadian currency at the official exchange rate at a bank or travel agency on arrival. You may consult the following website to obtain the current exchange rate.
Health and Personal Insurance
The conference organizers cannot accept liability for injuries or losses arising from accidents or other situations during or as a consequence of the conference. Access to Canada's health care services are very costly for non-residents, so attendees are advised to arrange health and accident insurance prior to travelling to the conference. Lost luggage or travel disruption insurance is also recommended.
Weather
Quebec has a humid continental climate. September is a beautiful end of summer month in Quebec City; average daytime temperatures range from 15° to 25º Celsius during the day. As the temperature this time of year is changing, we suggest you bring a light sweater.
Measurement units
Canada uses the metric system.
Voltage
Electricity in Canada, as in the rest of North America, is 110-volt direct or alternating current. All non-North American appliances require an adapter for both the current and the plug.
For more information, please visit: http://www.quebecregion.com/e/
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